Israel Signs $5.2 Billion Deal for F-15 Fighter Jets with Boeing
In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the signing of a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 25 advanced F-15 fighter jets. This deal, which includes an option for an additional 25 aircraft, is part of a comprehensive aid package previously approved by the Biden administration and Congress. Deliveries of the new fighter jets are set to begin in 2031, with an expected rate of 4 to 6 aircraft per year.
The new F-15 jets will be equipped with advanced weapons systems that are integrated with existing Israeli military technology, enhancing their range and payload capabilities. Eyal Zamir, the director general of the Israeli Defense Ministry, emphasized that the new F-15 squadron, alongside the recently acquired F-35s, represents a significant upgrade to the Israeli Air Force's strategic capabilities. These enhancements are deemed crucial given the current military tensions in the region, particularly in relation to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
U.S. Military Aid and Regional Tensions
The announcement of the F-15 deal comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. military support for Israel. The Biden administration has reiterated the necessity for Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Failure to meet this requirement by mid-November could lead to restrictions on certain forms of U.S. military assistance, in accordance with U.S. laws.
In light of the escalating conflicts, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his commitment to ending the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, particularly concerning the violence in Gaza and rising tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. However, he has not provided specific plans for achieving this goal. Meanwhile, U.S. military aid to Israel has surged, amounting to at least $22 billion since the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023.
